GALZ statement on the arrest of transgender activist, Ricky Nathanson

transgender person in Bulawayo on the 16th of January for using a ladies

toilet. We are concerned that Ricky may have been treated in an inhumane

and undignified manner during the arrest and subsequent detention in police

custody before her court appearance.

We are surprised that the police have chosen to persecute Ricky for using a

toilet. It is common knowledge that on numerous occasions in this country

men and women continue to share public toilets as most of these facilities are

in a deplorable state in various cities across the country and in need of urgent

attention. The state of these public toilets continues to be unacceptable yet

the “law” has turned a blind eye .No matter what one thinks of Nathanson’s motives, this is a miscarriage of justice. In a country where the right to one’s gender identity and gender expression are not recognised, it is clear as in the handling of this matter that the sensibilities of heterosexists have been disturbed.

Such is the ignorance of the Police and media on matters of sexuality and

gender that they refer to Ricky as “gay” and insist on charging her for criminal

nuisance. There is clearly a need for further training of media practitioners

and police officers on human rights as well as operationalising the new

Zimbabwe constitution which is clear on the fundamental human rights and